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According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Minnesota Timberwolves are eyeing the multi-faceted forward as a potential replacement for Kevin Love, who has been central in this summer’s trade rumors.

The Timberwolves have been involved in discussions with the Cavaliers about sending Love to Cleveland to team with the recently returned LeBron James. Minnesota has also entertained offers for Love from Golden State and Chicago.

Although the Timberwolves have repeatedly expressed their interest to keep Love in Minnesota, a trade seems likely, if not inevitable, considering that Love could leave as a free agent next summer and the team would get no incoming compensation. By trading Love, at least the Timberwolves would get something in return.

Minnesota’s front office is no doubt aware of this, and is now scouring for potential replacements for the forward, which is where Thaddeus Young comes in. Were Love to be traded, the Timberwolves would be interested in acquiring Young as an alternative option, either through a separate transaction or as part of an expanded Love trade.

It is unclear exactly what the Sixers would receive in return in a Young trade, but a combination of future picks and expiring contracts, also known as ‘assets,’ is a good guess.

Young has two years left on his current contract, including a player option for 2015-16.

Earlier this summer Sixers GM Sam Hinkie said he anticipated that Young would start the season as a Sixer, but if the right situation presents itself, the team will certainly explore its options.